Silence the Source

I am a news junkie.  I read newspapers, magazines, and blogs; I watch news shows, video exposés, interviews, press conferences and CSPAN.  I know how to speed read so I can take in a fairly large amount of information in a relatively short amount of time. I’ve gorged myself on this “noise” and never really thought twice about it.  Until yesterday, when I was physically sick after reading a news article (no links because reality can be poisonous).

I’m going to point once again to Martha’s article, Sources, to lay the foundation for what God is showing me right now.  (If you haven’t read it, we invite you to read it and then come back.)  I’m a vessel, and I’m made to be filled.  There are only two sources in the whole universe: God and Satan.  So, what am I cramming in my brain?  What is filling me on a daily basis?

Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable,
whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is commendable–if there is any moral excellence
and if there is any praise–dwell on these things.
Philippians 4:8 HCSB

Somewhere, I created a category called “Innocuous” and filed my news binges under it.  “Sure the news isn’t good, but it’s not really bad either.  I’m just staying on top of what’s happening in the world, right?  It’s not like it’s celebrity gossip or vampire sagas or something.  I mean, I’m not Amish!”  That’s as much of my inner-heart monologue as I wish to share, but I think you get the idea.

Thing is, the world is broken and chaotic and horrifying.  It’s all corrupt politicians and drone warfare and feral teenagers and Extra Virgin Olive Oil that’s mostly canola – gah!  I eat the articles and blog posts and hear the commentary and watch the panels of talking heads talk over each other’s heads.  I am filled with the world and its prince.  My fear is fed and stoked, and I find it ever easier to believe in the power of evil because all I’m seeing and hearing and reading is that darkness is everywhere and ascendant.

Yesterday, God asked me to fast from the news, to silence the voices of the Tree of Knowledge.  I don’t know how long it will be, but I can tell you that the silence is like a spa treatment for my mind.  I didn’t realize how noisy my head was until I shut down that “innocuous” source.  I am nearly discombobulated by the falling silence.  I can’t wait to see and hear my Father in this new hush!

For God alone my soul waits in silence;
from Him comes my salvation.
Psalm 62:1 Amplified